“But he is a stranger, and—an Englishman.”
Mr Dawson laughed.
“An Englishman! That can hardly be put as an objection, I should think. He is a stranger—in a sense—but he is a man well-known in his own circle, and beyond it—a man much respected, they tell me.”
Jean knew by her father’s manner that he was as much pleased as he was surprised.
“She is very young,” said she in a little.
“She is old enough to know her own mind, I suppose, and there need be no haste, if it is to be. I think I must let him come.”
“And I am not to speak to her?”
“Oh! as to that, I suppose he only meant that he wished to tell his own story. Still as there is no time set for his coming, it may be as well to say nothing for a day or two.”
“Very well,” and Jean rose and went away.
“She doesna seem to be over weel pleased at this, but she’ll come round. I’m glad that it should be her sister rather than her that I maun part with. I could ill spare my Jean,” said Mr Dawson to himself, as his eye followed her as she moved slowly down the walk. “Though I dare say her turn will come,” he added with a sigh.